Andalusian and Lusitano

The Andalusian/Lusitano breed, originated in the Iberian Peninsula and is one of the oldest breeds of horse. The Andalusian was bred principally by Carthusian Monks in the late Middle Ages. Every purebred Andalusian/Lusitano today can trace its lineage directly to the Stud Books of Spain [...]and Portugal.

This regimented and selective breeding program kept the Andalusian exclusively in the Iberian Peninsula region, with no horses being exported until 1962. Even today these majestic horses— perhaps most recognized as the animated, elegant and graceful horses ridden by mounted bull fighters (rejoneadors) in
Spain— number less than 30,000 worldwide with only approximately 8,500 of those being in this country, making the Andalusian horse one of the rarest breeds of horse in the United States.

The typical Andalusian stands between 15.2 and 16.2 hands with a very powerful yet elegant build. Grey or white is the predominant breed color, but it is not unusual to see a bay, black, chestnut or even a palomino or dun colored Andalusian. Because of its trainability, lightness, and athleticism, the
Andalusian excels in all disciplines of riding and driving, including an array of classes in halter, driving, hunt seat, saddle seat, dressage, Western pleasure, equitation, and showmanship. This majestic and rare “Horse of Kings,” is enjoying increasing recognition and acclaim in international dressage
competition, and the Andalusian breed continues to grow and increase in popularity here in the United States.

International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association

Recognized National Affiliate Association

The International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association is an association of breeders, owners, and aficionados of the ancient and magnificent Andalusian Horse. It holds true to the long and glorious history of the breed and acknowledges the original Andalusian bloodlines, which include horses from both Spain and Portugal. The IALHA maintains a registry for Purebred Andalusians and Half-Andalusians, publishes a magazine about them, provides shows for them, and generally promotes their unique qualities to the world. ialha.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if they are registered with IALHA. The class nomenclature for
competitions follows the IALHA practice of using "Andalusian" to collectively
refer to both purebred Andalusians and purebred Lusitanos. Any class in the
prize list that is listed as "Andalusian" or "Andalusian/Half-Andalusian" is
open to Lusitanos.

Two Ways to Qualify for IALHA Classes
1. Qualify your horse by participating in any IALHA sanctioned show (see web site for list of sanctioned shows). Any
horse that enters and completes a class in any sanctioned show will be considered qualified for all classes at the
National show requiring pre-qualification, except National championship dressage classes. As in previous years,
these require a score of 58 or more in the appropriate class in a USDF sanctioned show.
2. This year we have provided a way for you to participate at Nationals by providing a non-qualifying fee of $200.00
per horse in lieu of your attendance at a local or regional show. The show committee strongly encourages you to
participate and support your local regional shows by attending; however, we recognize the weakness in the
economy and logistical challenges faced by many of our members who live in sparsely populated areas.

Yes. According to USEF rule AL104.4, required tack for a halter class is a "suitable headstall equipped
with throatlatch." A bridle meets this qualification. However, it would be inappropriate to show a horse
in a bridle that is not old enough to be ridden (2 and under) as it states in AL101.7.

AL105.5 states if an exhibitor is to handle more than one entry in the class, he must have present
in the arena an additional exhibitor to facilitate the transfer of the horses. However, per AL105.6,
this does not apply to any amateur class or Best Movement performance classes in which only one horse
is permitted per exhibitor.

Yes. As long as you have not been judged in a class at a USEF licensed competition that required a canter or lope, you qualify to enter the Walk-Trot Equitation Green Rider class.
Be aware that you may not show in any other class at that USEF licensed competition which requires a canter or lope per AL211.1.